New shops and 21 guest rooms set for Windsor

This article was first published more than a week ago but has been reuploaded following issues with our website.

A plan is in motion to get 21 serviced apartments and three more commercial premises built in central Windsor.

Sorbon Estates – part of the Shanly Group – has made an application to redevelop 131-133 Peascod Street. It would keep the two ground-floor retail units there, while building up the area.

Based on the corner of Goswell Hill, the site is occupied by a two-storey building containing Superdrug and Wenzel’s The Bakers.

There is a hard surfaced area to the rear, used for private parking.

The proposal seeks to redevelop the rear of the site to provide an additional three extra commercial units.

The 21 serviced apartments would be used as visitor accommodation, to be let for short periods of time. They are not intended to be used for permanent residence.

The proposal follows a previous application for a similar development at the same site (ref 23/03089/OUT).

This was withdrawn in March following comments from the RBWM’s planning officer, the conservation officer and the Highways Team.

Sorbon Estate’s representatives for this application, WS Planning & Architecture, wrote: “Taking into account the Conservation Officer’s comments on the previous application, the proposal has been reduced in scale and massing and would not appear overbearing.”

The proposal would incorporate a traditional form and appearance, contributing positively to the street environment, they argued.

“The application site currently comprises a red brick building with a flat roof, that is relatively uninspiring,” they wrote. “The existing building does not contribute positively to its surroundings.

“Officer[s] advised that the proposals to reface the front Peascod Street elevation of the building would be supported from a conservation perspective.

“The proposal would create a new active street frontage along Goswell Hill and would improve the frontage of 131-133 Peascod Street.

“The proposed development would make a positive contribution to the economic growth of Windsor town centre, enhancing its significance as a national and international focus of visitor and tourist activity.”